DC Circuit Rejects Challenge to Kinder Morgan Gas Pipeline

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) adequately considered the emissions impacts and the economic need when it approved a Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion project in Pennsylvania and New York, the D.C. Circuit ruled Friday.

The court rejected arguments from Food & Water Watch, an environmental group, that the commission impermissibly refused to quantify greenhouse gas emissions from upstream drilling for the extra gas, to quantify ozone emissions from its downstream burning, and to determine whether emissions are significant or insignificant.

The group had also argued FERC failed to consider New York state and New York City laws mandating reductions in ...